Does anyone else have constant flank pain? I started with it on the right, then the left, then both sides. Today it's on the left. Doesn't seem to be UTI. I've had that before and don't have that urge to go. Just flank pain. Could be referred from back pain i guess?? Anyone else??

yes, I do. I used to worry all the time about it. I know it is the AS. It seems the very bottom of my ribcage on the side is inflammed. Sometimes also the top of the hip. Either can cause flank pain. I have since gone to a urologist because I had a UTI an had ct scans and all. No problem with the kidneys. Rhuemy says she sees it from time to time. If you start pressing around on the bone in the area and it hurts to do so then it is the spondy!

When you say "flank" do you mean "side?" Flank is considered lower outer back... and often related to kidneys as it sounds like you know. Another person posted about a new pain in his side and lots of folks had good input:

By flank, yes i mean my back more toward my sides where kidneys would be. When i was younger i had some kidney infections and i know the area well. I've mentioned it to my rheumy and do not get much of a response. They do test my blood every 2 months being on methotrexate and all and so far everything must be good as they haven't told me different. It does come and go, but when i have it, boy do i have it. As some of previous posts might reveal, i'm getting a little frustrated with my rheumy and may go back to my family doc who i love, and ask him for advice...on everything! Thanks all!

Yes, I get it. Never quite sure whether it is kidneys or just referred from either hip, iliac crest, or lower back. When I get this kind of pain the first thing I do is check my urine (sample in a jar, check for cloudiness or bad smell) and if it is at all suspicious then take a sample off to doctor as possible infection. In my case I do have to do intermittent self catheterisation to drain my bladder so the possibilities of bladder and kidney infection are always there. If its clear and doesn't smell bad, then I usually just decide it is referred pain from some bone or joint.